iGrow - A Service of SDSU Extension

CSA’s, short for Community Supported Agricultural Programs, are gaining popularity across the nation as well as in South Dakota. This is an additional avenue for producers to direct market their produce to local consumers. This type of program allows a farmer to sell subscriptions or shares prior to the growing season. When the produce or food product is harvested it is then delivered on a scheduled basis to the customer.

Decision making in a community can come to a grinding halt when conflict arises. When people in a community are passionate about the issues that affect them, a simple discussion in a public forum can turn into a heated argument. Dealing with conflict can fracture a community into an “us versus them” environment and soon progress in community development can stall. 

Big Stone City’s slogan became “Don’t Take It for Granite” as they moved through the Horizons project from 2008 to the present.  From a community of 600 people, Big Stone’s Horizon project pulled together people will ideas to benefit many aspects of their town.  

When undertaking any business endeavor…and particularly when investing personal and family resources…there is one overriding question that must be asked and answered – “Are the potential benefits greater than the potential costs?”

Senior members of a community can be a vast resource for community renewal. While some societies view the older generation as elders who hold valuable wisdom and experience, modern societies often tend to view seniors as elderly people whose usefulness is steadily declining. Everyone wins when community leaders realize that seniors possess assets that are necessary for community vitality.